SEATTLE TAKES STEPS TO AMP-UP EMPLOYEE PROTECTION LAWS

New York

SEATTLE TAKES STEPS TO AMP-UP EMPLOYEE PROTECTION LAWS

Highlights

Starting in 2011, Mayor of Seattle, signed new ordinances which establish additional protections for Seattle employees.

In 2012, the Paid Sick and Safe Time Leave Ordinance was enacted which allows employees to take time off due to their own illness, injury or health condition, to take care of a family member with an illness, injury or medical appointment, when the employer’s place of business has been closed by order of public official for health reasons or for reasons related to domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.

Originally entitled the Job Assistance Act, the Fair Change Employment Ordinance (“FCE”) was enacted in 2013. This ordinance limits how employers and businesses can use an applicant’s conviction and arrest record in the hiring process and course of employment within the City’s limits. The ordinance prohibits categorical exclusions in job advertisements, limits criminal history questions on job applications and criminal background checks until after an employer has conducted an initial screening.